Diarrhoea scare: Eight rapid response teams deployed in Panipat urban areas

With rising diarrhoea cases and recent suspected deaths, the district administration has gone on alert mode in Panipat, deploying eight Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) in urban areas and issuing strict directions to rural health officials.

Officials clarified that no outbreak has been reported from any particular locality, but precautionary measures have been stepped up.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Pankaj Yadav held a review meeting with the Health Department on Wednesday. “Eight teams have been formed at urban health centres and primary health centres under the supervision of medical officers. Each team has five members who will conduct door-to-door surveys, collect samples, distribute ORS packets and halogen tablets and educate residents on hygiene,” Yadav said.

He urged citizens to immediately report diarrhoea, dysentery or vomiting cases to nearby PHCs, CHCs or health centres. “Doctors, medicines and facilities are available at all centres,” he assured.

Health teams collected 22 water samples from different localities, including six from Street Nos. 6 and 10 each, four from Street No. 8 in Deshraj Colony, three from Mahavir Colony and three from Saini Colony. Additionally, five food samples were taken from city markets.

“Special care should be taken for children, women and the elderly, as they are more vulnerable to infections,” Yadav added. He also directed the Municipal Corporation to ensure immediate cleaning of drains and waterlogged areas to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Vijay Malik said, “Samples have been collected and reports will come in 48 hours. The teams are analysing earlier water samples and post-mortem reports of the deceased.” He reiterated: “So far, no outbreak has been reported from any particular area of the district.”

Special teams have been constituted under the supervision of Panipat SDM on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Dr Virender Kumar Dahiya.